Since 2015, Susan Halla has been designing and manufacturing materials for the restoration of mid-century homes, and her business, Make It Mid-Century, has become a favorite among vintage trailer restorers. While she’s not specifically in the trailer restoration business, her SparkleLam™ laminate has been embraced by individual restorers and companies alike.
What makes Make It Mid-Century unique? It’s the only business specializing in mid-century building materials, offering hard-to-find products like glitter laminate—a favorite among vintage enthusiasts. Susan takes pride in her work and is constantly expanding her product line to create a one-stop shop for her mid-century-loving audience.
One standout project Susan recalls is the use of her pink SparkleLam™ in a 1965 Serro-Scotty Highlander restoration lovingly named “Cotton Candy.” Featuring vintage pink appliances and pink upholstery, the trailer is a stunning testament to the charm of mid-century design.
Susan’s passion for vintage trailers blossomed serendipitously when a customer used her product in their 1964 Field and Stream trailer restoration. This experience led her to connect with the vintage camper trailer community, advertising in Vintage Camper Trailer Magazine and embracing the culture.
Her background in architecture and historic preservation, combined with a DIY spirit inspired by her father, equipped Susan to bring back beloved mid-century materials. Recreating the original glitter laminate, a favorite from the 1960s, has been one of her proudest achievements.
Though running her business keeps her busy, Susan is thrilled to contribute to the community by presenting at online restoration conferences. She envisions her company becoming the go-to destination for authentic mid-century materials and even offers custom laminate design services for those seeking something truly unique.
For those diving into their first restoration project, Susan’s advice is clear: research thoroughly, plan for unexpected costs and delays, and seek out experienced mentors or professionals. Her journey is a testament to the joy of combining passion and craftsmanship to preserve the beauty of mid-century design.
Visit Susan’s website, makeitmidcentury.com, to explore her products and services. For inquiries, reach out at su***@ma**************.com or call (844) 696-6462.
